Have Questions? Need Answers?
United Nurses & Allied Professionals, Local 5082
Management continues to interrupt staff and the delivery of care, insisting on imposing their views on everybody. As a result, there has been a lot of rumor and speculation. We thought we'd put out a fact sheet to answer some commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call us at 508-399-6393.
Contract Expiration/Dues Deduction
The contract expired on August 6th. What does that mean?
All terms of the contract remain in full force effect except for the arbitration and dues deduction provisions of the contract.
Will the hospital stop deducting dues from our paychecks?
Yes. The hospital has notified the Union that it will no longer be deducting dues starting next week [August 24th].
Do I still have to pay dues?
Yes.
How do I pay my dues?
You have two options. First, you may pay your dues in the amount of $22.32 on a bi-weekly basis by check. Please make checks payable to UNAP and forward to 375 Branch Ave., Providence, RI 02904. Your other option is to pay on line by clicking here, and then clicking PayPal and following the instructions. You do not need a PayPal account to exercise this option.
10-Day Strike Notice
What is a 10-day strike notice?
Federal law requires that the Union give a 10-day strike notice before going on strike.
Do we vote on giving a 10-day strike notice?
Yes. In fact, we had such a vote a few weeks ago at which 90% of the members gave the Union negotiating team the authority to issue the notice.
What happens when the 10-day strike notice is given?
The hospital must make alternative arrangements for patients and submit a strike plan to the Department of Health. Also, a federal mediator will be assigned to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.
How will we know if the notice has been given?
Each member of the Union will be called immediately.
After the notice is given, must we strike or is there another vote?
There will be another vote based on what is on the table at the end of that period of time.
Layoffs
May the hospital give employees layoff notices after the 10-day notice is given?
Yes. As the hospital makes alternative arrangements for patients, the census goes down, which will result in layoffs. The hospital must give employees at least one week's notice prior to the effective date of the layoff or one week of pay instead of notice.
Are employees entitled to unemployment benefits while on layoff?
Yes, after the first week of layoff.
Are employees eligible for unemployment benefits if they are on strike?
No.
What is the difference between being in layoff status and being on strike?
If employees are laid off because the census has dropped, but employees have not gone on strike, employees are in layoff status and eligible for unemployment benefits. If, however, employees vote to go on strike, and refuse to go back to work when the hospital recalls them, such employees are on strike and ineligible for unemployment benefits.
Are employees entitled to unemployment benefits if they are locked out?
Yes. If, for example, employees go on a strike for a limited time, such as 3 days, and are locked out when they attempt to return to work, they are entitled to unemployment insurance.
When should employees apply for unemployment benefits?
Upon receipt of a layoff notice. The number to call is [401] 243-9100.
Medical Insurance Coverage
What happens to my medical insurance if I am laid off?
The hospital must continue to pay its share of the cost of the medical insurance for the first full month of a layoff.
What happens to my health insurance if I am on Strike?
The employer-paid health insurance will continue through the end of September. At that point, employees will then be able to exercise their rights under COBRA. Specifically, the hospital must notify you in writing of those rights. You must be given the option to continue coverage at the group rate at your expense. You must be given 60 days from the notice to decide whether you will pay at your own expense. You must be given an additional 45 days to pay the premiums if you decide to continue coverage at your own expense. So, you can pay immediately, or wait and see whether you need care during that period and/or see what happens with the strike.
If you have other questions, please give us a call at [508] 399-6393.